Rock Tech, a Canadian mining company, has achieved a significant milestone in its lithium hydroxide conversion plant project in Guben, Germany. The Licensing Authority South of the Brandenburg State Office for the Environment has granted the company the first partial license (“TG1”) in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). The permit allows complete construction for all non-process buildings and site infrastructure and approves the general plant layout and functions for the spodumene to lithium hydroxide conversion.
Rock Tech's lithium converter is a crucial investment that will meet Europe's increasing demand for critical battery raw materials. The converter will enable the company to process spodumene from any global source into battery-grade lithium hydroxide. The project is estimated to cost USD 683 million and is an important contributor to the European battery value chain.
See also: Chile's SQM Sees Record Profits as Demand for Lithium Soars Amid Electric Vehicle Boom
The company has already secured critical planning and pre-agreements for long lead items, and the basic engineering is complete. Additionally, the Bankable Project study was finalized last year, and the Front End Loading Study Level 3 is in its final stages and should be completed soon. The official groundbreaking is scheduled for Monday, March 27th, 2023.
Rock Tech is currently in close contact with local authorities and involved third-party experts to secure the second tranche of permits (“Application for the 2nd Partial License for the Construction of the Production Plant and Commissioning of the Entire Plant”). The company is confident that the first partial license will accelerate further progress in realizing this groundbreaking project in Europe.
